So, 3.5 had this "If combat goes three rounds, you've lost" kind of mentality. Attrition was always on the side of monsters. I would also point out that I was the only one who could attack twice. 3.5's action economy was strange that way. But as a "fighter" it worked for me.
I remember having a long standing debate with Nick over Great Swords vs Great Axes. We decided that while the damage potential of the Great Ax was higher, the Great Sword was better consistence damage.